New york: President Lee Jae Myung met with Czech President Petr Pavel on Tuesday to explore opportunities for expanding economic cooperation beyond the current focus on nuclear energy. The meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York, marked the first encounter between the two leaders since the Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Co. finalized a contract in June to construct two new nuclear reactors at the Dukovany nuclear power plant site.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee expressed his desire to extend bilateral cooperation into new sectors such as semiconductors, electric vehicles, and defense. He emphasized that these collaborations should develop on a mutually beneficial basis. President Pavel acknowledged the contract as a testament to the Czech Republic's high regard for Korea's advanced nuclear capabilities.
Furthermore, President Pavel commended Korea for its role as president of the U.N. Security Council in September and highlighted the need for stronger collaboration among democratic nations amidst global changes. He also expressed his interest in visiting South Korea, which was warmly welcomed by President Lee, who looks forward to ongoing exchanges between the two countries' leaders.